Antiques and rare books among distinctive items stolen in burglary

Victoria Bull

Unique and distinctive items including an antique barometer and 1930s leather bound Charles Dickens book set were swiped by burglars over the festive period.

Police are now appealing for witnesses and information about the break-in on Belswains Lane, Hemel Hempstead, which took place between 1.30pm on Saturday, December 27 and 8.30am on Monday, December 29.

The culprits smasehd a small glass pane in the front door to gain access to the property, before making off in an unknown direction with a number of items including cash, DVDs, three jewellery boxes, power tools and alcohol.

As well as this, priceless items including the barometer and book set and a men’s Omega 1959-1960 gold watch were taken.

Four spaghetti bowls from Italy – each with recipes printed on – and even a pair of curtains were also nabbed during the raid.

Assistant investigator Lisa Brown from the Hemel Hempstead local crime unit said: “It is highly likely that a large vehicle or a van was used during the burglary and may have been parked on the driveway.

“I would like to hear from anyone who thinks they may have seen a suspicious vehicle matching this description in the area around the time of the incident.

“I am also appealing to anyone who believes they may have seen these items or been offered them for sale to get in touch.”

Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to contact AI Brown using the Herts Police non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference D1/14/7876.